Citroen Xsara clutch release problem

[Hedger]

Hi all,
Anyone able to help on this one? My 2001 2.0 HDI Citroen Xsara's clutch isn't releasing properly for some reason - does anyone know if this is a common fault? I can start the car in gear (with the clutch pressed in) but even then it moves forward as the starter turns. Once it's running you can't change gear. A garage told me the clutch needed replacing (£400, and thankfully not a 'dual mass' flywheel) but it doesn't seem to be worn out, it just doesn't release properly! My initial thought was that it was cable operated and that perhaps it had become unadjusted, but the garage told me that it was hydraulic.
Any ideas?
Many thanks,
Hedger

 

[timtheenchanter]

clutch slave cylinder? if the seals have gone it wont release properly.

 

[Burnerman]

As above, but the slave cylinder just may need bleeding.
How does the pedal feel? Fairly firm when you press it?
Try pumping the pedal quickly a few times- if it still won't disengage then its likely to be a master cylinder fault.....thats the one the pedal is directly connected to.
John

 

[Mickymoody]

I agree clutch slave, but 2001 vehicle? Maybe the thrust release bearing is on its way out? and the slave can't compensate?

The bearing and clutch are generally changed together, even if one is good, as it's considered bad to replace one without the other.

Is there any clutch fluid spilling from the vehicle, to determine a clutch slave failure/leak? Is the clutch fluid low?

Unfortunately, sounds like the more expensive repair to me, than a quick fix.

But feel free to get a 2nd, 3rd opinion.

 

[Hedger]

Hi MickeyMoody, and thanks for your comments on my Citroen clutch problem.
I think you're right - I spoke to a Citroen specialist and their opinion was that the the clutch release bearing and fork had failed which is a common problem on these.
Thanks to everyone who helped with this problem - think I'll scrap the car now!
Hedger

 

[Mickymoody]

Hi MickeyMoody, and thanks for your comments on my Citroen clutch problem.
I think you're right - I spoke to a Citroen specialist and their opinion was that the the clutch release bearing and fork had failed which is a common problem on these.
Thanks to everyone who helped with this problem - think I'll scrap the car now!
Hedger

Come to think of it, I think my brother has a nasty French car, and had similar problems, but the price of repairs was like £20 or something daft, whereas when something breaks on my car for the same part it's hundreds, have you evaluated the repair cost to worth of car? Worth doing, if it's a common fault, as parts/fitting will be cheap, and hopefully modified, if the rest of the car is sound?

I needed a new cat convertor, rang the dealer, and he didn't ask if I was sat down before he gave the price - £800..I got one off ebay for £80.